This article examines transparency's role in supporting democratic institutions. It provides a game-theoretic model demonstrating that transparent systems improve electoral outcomes by mitigating adverse selection problems between citizens and their rulers.
The research tests these claims empirically, finding strong evidence linking transparency to greater public satisfaction with democracy. This connection inhibits challenges to the democratic order.
Key findings show transparency significantly reduces two major threats:
- Probability of democratic collapse
- Irregular removals of democratic leaders
These results suggest that enhancing electoral transparency can strengthen democratic governance.
